With the winter season upon us, it’s time to start preparing to shovel snow. While shoveling snow is an excellent workout for our bodies, it is also very strenuous and must not be taken lightly.
Not only is it important to stretch and prepare our bodies for shoveling, it is also crucial that we dress properly to protect ourselves from low temperatures and wind exposure.
Follow these tips to make it through the snow shoveling season injury free:
- Warm-up: We recommend warming up before shoveling with a light aerobic activity such as jogging, biking or fast walking for 7-10 minutes.
- Stretch: To prevent muscle strain, complete about a dozen squats and about a dozen lunges on each leg.
- To avoid injury, push the snow aside instead of lifting.
- If you need to lift the snow, bend your knees, allowing the muscles of the legs and arms to do the work instead of your back.
- Do not throw snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires twisting or turning motions that can cause injury.
- Take frequent breaks.
- If you feel dizzy or have chest pain stop immediately and seek medical attention.
If you feel soreness or muscle strain, call Family Chiropractic & Wellness, at 812-373-3376, to schedule an appointment.
